Beijing (National Stadium), PR OF CHINA

Event Preview women's 4x100m Relay

On paper, it appears clear cut as to which team will take away the gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay. One can think of many reasons why the USA should be victorious next Saturday evening. The fact that they have four sprinters in the top 15 this year should be enough to cement victory. Whilst the absence of Marion JONES will be felt, any combination of Kelli WHITE, Torri EDWARDS, Inger MILLER, Chryste GAINES and Gail DEVERS would be capable of taking away the gold medal and successfully defending their title as world champions.

Despite not running together as a team this year, the Bahamas, with Chandra STURRUP and Debbie FERGUSON, who are ranked first and third respectively for the 100m this year, should feature strongly at the finish line.

The 2001 bronze medallists, France will no doubt challenge the USA in front of their home crowd with both Christine ARRON and Muriel HURTIS showing excellent 2003 form, both in the top ten.

Both Jamaica and Nigeria possess good depth in the sprints and will be looking to improve on their fourth and fifth places in Edmonton.

Based on 2003 perfomances, other possible finalists could include 2001 silver medallists Germany, Russia and the Ukraine.